HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY C

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-FIFTH ARMY CORPS,Steamer Crescent, June 15, 1865.

General J. W. FORSYTH, Chief of Staff:

GENERAL: In spite of all my representations of the vital importance of having a supply of coal and water at this place and the promises that both would be here, neither can be found. I have therefore ordered all those that have water and coal to go to their destination; all those that want coal, to New Orleans, and all those that want water, to the Mississippi River. After mature deliberation this is the quickest way to settle the whole difficulty. To avoid the necessity of vessels going to New Orleans to coal, a coal vessel or two might now be sent to the Head of the Passes or orders given to the naval coal vessels to furnish our transports. I will be in New Orleans to-morrow.